I just saw this on Nando's Facebook page. I am very saddened by this. I had traded emails with Javier a few years ago and he was such a kind and genuine person. RIP friend.
shareI saw that this morning as well... condolences to you!
shareRest in peace.
shareRIP Javier. I always dreaded the day when I would hear of the first passing of one of the Andes survivors, even though I knew it was inevitable. Each of these men has been an inspiration to me in a unique way. I am glad Javier was able to find happiness after the death of his wife and lived a long and fulfilling life.
Now he has finally reached the end of the journey he started out with Liliana, where she is waiting for him.
I went digging thru my emails and wanted to share an email he sent me on 2/12/12:
Dear Tukai: I do not know where you are but I hope someone can translate you this message.
Nothing would have made us in the mountains without the love with which God has united us in His commandment "Love thy neighbor as thyself" because we thus united faith and hope that gave us the strength to fight for life all for igual.-
When Liliana (my wife) terribly died on the avalanche that covered us, I learned that the people we love die just the day that we forget For your love her still alive in my heart and that love, that I should give our 4 children, it was what kept me alive.
The mountain taught me that the people we love die just forget the day that is why Liliana still alive in the hearts of my family as a gift from God.
God saved me on the mountain but I got the mission to serve, so if I can serve algho, gladly will.
Tukai receives a warm embrace with my hope that, with your family, God bless you and protect you with the same love that made us on the mountain.
It really helped put some things into perspective to me. I showed the email to my wife, but this is the 1st time I have shared it openly with anyone else.
Wow, thank you for sharing that.
How did you get hooked up with Javier to begin with?
=Last time I taught, I was like Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society...by which I mean I got fired=
There is/was an Alive website that pays tribute to the survivors/family members. There was a drop down box where you could send a message to anyone. I took a chance and whote a letter to Javier and he read it and responded to me. We traded a few emails and I consider it one of the best moments because of the heartfelt things he sent to me.
sharewow amazing
what age was he??
what age was he??
Wow, that is amazing that he emailed you, and I love his message. Thank you for sharing!
share